This part of DS 781 presents data for part of the acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of Coal Oil Point map area, California. The raster data file is included in "BackscatterB_USGS_OffshoreCoalOilPoint.zip," which is accessible from
https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshoreCoalOilPoint/data_catalog_OffshoreCoalOilPoint.html. These data accompany the pamphlet and map sheets of Johnson, S.Y., Dartnell, P., Cochrane, G.R., Golden, N.E., Phillips, E.L., Ritchie, A.C., Kvitek, R.G., Dieter, B.E., Conrad, J.E., Lorenson, T.D., Krigsman, L.M., Greene, H.G., Endris, C.A., Seitz, G.G., Finlayson, D.P., Sliter, R.W., Wong, F.L., Erdey, M.D., Gutierrez, C.I., Leifer, I., Yoklavich, M.M., Draut, A.E., Hart, P.E., Hostettler, F.D., Peters, K.E., Kvenvolden, K.A., Rosenbauer, R.J., and Fong, G. (S.Y. Johnson and S.A. Cochran, eds.), 2014, California State Waters Map Series—Offshore of Coal Oil Point, California: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3302, pamphlet 57 p., 12 sheets, scale 1:24,000,
https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3302.
The acoustic-backscatter map of the Offshore of Coal Oil Point map area, California, was generated from backscatter data collected by California State University, Monterey Bay, Seafloor Mapping Lab (CSUMB), by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and by Fugro Pelagos. This metadata describea the acoustic-backscatter data collected by the USGS. See "BackscatterA_CSUMB_OffshoreCoalOilPoint_metadata.txt" metadata for a description of the acoustic-backscatter data collected by CSUMB, and see "BackscatterC_Fugro_OffshoreCoalOilPoint_metadata.txt" metadata for a description of the acoustic-backscatter data collected by Fugro Pelagos. Most of the nearshore and shelf areas in the Offshore of Coal Oil Point map area were mapped by the USGS in the summers of 2006, 2007, and 2008, using a combination of 117-kHz and 234.5-kHz SEA (AP) Ltd. SWATHplus-M phase-differencing sidescan sonars. Within the acoustic-backscatter imagery, brighter tones indicate higher backscatter intensity, and darker tones indicate lower backscatter intensity. The intensity represents a complex interaction between the acoustic pulse and the seafloor, as well as characteristics within the shallow subsurface, providing a general indication of seafloor texture and sediment type. Backscatter intensity depends on the acoustic source level; the frequency used to image the seafloor; the grazing angle; the composition and character of the seafloor, including grain size, water content, bulk density, and seafloor roughness; and some biological cover. Harder and rougher bottom types such as rocky outcrops or coarse sediment typically return stronger intensities (high backscatter, lighter tones), whereas softer bottom types such as fine sediment return weaker intensities (low backscatter, darker tones).
To expand geologic mapping to the seafloor within the California's State Waters, to update coastal geologic mapping, and to contribute to a uniform regional geologic database, which can be used geographic information systems. Additionally, to provide a geologic map for the public and geoscience community to aid in assessments and mitigation of geologic hazards in the Coal Oil Point coastal region and to provide sufficient geologic information for land-use and land-management decisions both onshore and offshore. These data are intended for science researchers, students, policy makers, and the general public. These data can be used with geographic information systems or other software. This information is not intended for navigational purposes.